President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has raised alarm over youth unemployment, economic challenges, and rising violence, warning that Liberia faces serious risks if these issues are not urgently addressed.
Speaking during the second sitting of his cabinet for 2025, held under the theme “Coordination & Information Dissemination in Government: Why It Matters,” President Boakai urged his officials to intensify efforts to create jobs and empower young people.
“We must act quickly to address the backlog of youth empowerment,” Boakai said, stressing that many young people have completed their education but remain unemployed. He warned that if the government fails to tackle these challenges, “we will be in trouble.”
The Liberian leader emphasized that national interests must take precedence over special interests, cautioning that unresolved issues could threaten the country’s stability. He also called on government officials to collaborate effectively with existing staff in their offices to maintain smooth operations and deliver results for the Liberian people.
“We must work with the people we find in our offices, as failure to do so will lead to paralyzed offices and hinder the work for the Liberian people,” Boakai asserted.
In addition to job creation, the President expressed deep concern about the impact of violence on national development. He warned that acts of mob violence and the destruction of property discourage potential investors and undermine economic growth.
“Violence is rampant, and it scares away the investments we need to grow our economy,” he stated, urging the Minister of Justice to enforce the law and curb violent acts.
President Boakai cited repeated attacks on Sethe Wealla’s farm as an example of the rising lawlessness, calling for a thorough review of the nation’s laws to address such incidents. He emphasized the need for decisive action, referencing a biblical principle: “Even the Bible advises that we should be angry and sin not.”
The President concluded by urging his administration to prioritize these pressing issues, warning that failure to do so would jeopardize Liberia’s peace and prosperity.
